EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Rodri #16 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy after the team’s victory following during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
An up-and-coming Real Madrid midfield talent could yet prove to be a key factor in setting the dominoes in motion for Rodri to make his way to the Spanish capital.
The Blancos starlet in question? Jorge Cestero.
Cestero, for his part, is a 20-year-old midfielder, who has long been held in high regard across the Spanish football landscape. This past season, he emerged onto the first-team picture at Real Madrid, ultimately notching three appearances between La Liga and the Champions League.
If the latest word stemming from the Spanish media this week is anything to go by, though, then Cestero could soon see his time in the famed white of Los Merengues brought to a close.
As per a report from transfer market insider Matteo Moretto:
‘Lille are considering Jorge Cestero from Real Madrid as a replacement for Ayyoub Bouaddi.’
Bouaddi is regarded as increasingly likely to make the move to England this summer, to link up with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City. The Moroccan is being lined up as the long-term replacement for none other than Real Madrid target Rodri at The Etihad.
Should Cestero agree to a Lille switch, then Bouaddi’s departure would open up, allowing Florentino Pérez and co. to swoop decisively to bring Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to the Bernabéu.
Conor Laird – GSFN